Unibody sanitary can with multiple storage compartments

ABSTRACT

A container for foods or beverages is provided which includes in one embodiment at least one inwardly extending ledge which is formed by creating a bend in the container body proximate to an upper end, and which is adapted to receive a removable sealing membrane to provide multiple storage compartments.

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/524,945, filed on Nov. 24, 2003, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers, and more specifically foodand beverage containers with one or more distinct compartments, andincluding in one embodiment an integral ledge with an easy pour featurewhich is adapted to support a sealing membrane.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Due to the vast variety of food and beverage items available to theconsuming public, it is desirable to have a storage container which isdurable, generally airtight, safe, and which is capable of storingmultiple associated products in one compact, easy opening container.This type of container helps alleviate the problem of limited shelfspace, allows stacking without causing package and/or productdeformation, and keeps associated products in close proximity. Thus,products such as a cake mix and the appropriate cake topping may beshipped and stored in one container without misplacement or damage.Other similar products such as yogurt and granola or non perishableitems can also be stored in one easy opening, compact container.

Although it is known in the art to provide plastic containers withmultiple compartments, these types of containers are not durable, andare susceptible to breaking and cracking during shipping. Additionally,depending on the type of food product being stored, it is possible forthe taste of the food to become tainted due to scalping from the plasticmaterials. Further, since plastic and cardboard products can be squeezedand the shape altered, the internal components can easily become damagedor inadvertently mixed, and based on the limited compressive strength,the materials are generally not conducive to stacking in large volumes.

Although there are a variety of different container shapes used to storefood or beverage products, the vast majority of metallic containers andcans have a large open end with a diameter substantially the same as thelower end. This shape allows for stacking, which is highly beneficialand problematic with bottle shaped containers. However, when beveragesor flowable food items or powders are poured with a conventionalcylinder shaped container, there is often spillage due to thenon-controlled rate of flow. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide ametallic food or beverage container which has a reduced diameter, funneltype neck to reduce the rate of flow, yet is stackable for storage andshipping purposes. Additionally, the funnel necked ledge of the presentinvention in one embodiment utilizes a smooth exiting feature whichallows for an easy pour container.

It is a further problem in the container industry to change thegeometric shape and features of a food or beverage container withouthaving to invest significant capital in machinery, tooling andproduction lines. Thus, it is significant challenge to make majorcontainer design revisions, yet utilize existing container manufacturingequipment and processes. Accordingly, these problems and the others setforth above are addressed herein with the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a costeffective container which has multiple compartments which aresubstantially isolated to store distinct food or beverage items. Thus,in one embodiment of the present invention a first inwardly extendingledge is provided which is adapted to support a selectively removablemembrane such as a foil or plastic material, and which is temporarilyinterconnected to the inwardly extending ledge with an adhesive or othersimilar material. Preferably the material is substantially impermeable.In another embodiment of the present invention, a second inwardlyextending ledge is provided to create at least three distinct andseparable compartments. Similar to the first inwardly extending ledge, asecond sealable membrane such as aluminum or tin foil or plastic istemporarily sealed to the second inwardly extending ledge until theappropriate time for opening. As appreciated by one skilled in the art,the multiple compartments can be used to preserve and store any varietyof foodstuffs or liquids, such as a yogurt and granola, cake batter andcake frosting, assortments of snack foods such as peanuts, almonds,cashews, or any other combination of foods and/or beverages.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a containeropening which restricts the flow rate of the product being poured fromthe container, and thus helps prevent spillage. Thus, in one embodimentof the present invention a restricted diameter, funnel shaped neckportion is provided which is integral to the body of the container, andmay include a number of different shapes or diameters depending on thespecific application. In one embodiment, an integral ledge is providedwhich has a smooth, easy pouring geometry, yet provides sufficientsurface area on an upper surface to allow the removable attachment of asealing closure such as a heat sealed plastic material.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a restricteddiameter neck portion, with the upper end of the container havingsubstantially the same diameter as the lower end, and utilizing ageometric profile which facilitates stacking and shipping. Thus, in oneembodiment of the present invention, the reduced diameter funnel shapedneck portion is formed by at least one inwardly extending ledge, yet theupper end of the container has a sufficient diameter to allow stacking.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide amulti-compartment container which can be manufactured with well knownmetal container manufacturing equipment. Thus, in one embodiment of thepresent invention, a container with multiple compartments is originallyformed from a blank piece of metal such as aluminum, steel or tin andwhich is selectively formed to have one or more inwardly oriented ledgeswhich are adapted to support a sealable membrane and/or a sealed endclosure.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a metalliccontainer with multiple compartments with a double seamed end closure toprovide a durable, stackable container. In one embodiment, the durabledouble seam is provided to interconnect an end closure to the containerwhich is tamper resistant, airtight and which is generally opened with acan opener. Alternatively, the container open end may be sealed with asubstantially impermeable membrane such as plastic, tin or aluminum foiland may or may not be resealable or adapted for repeated use.

Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a metal container isprovided having at least two distinct storage compartments and whichcomprises:

-   -   a container body having a closed end, an open end, and side        walls extending therebetween;    -   a first inwardly extending ledge created generally by a fold in        an upper portion of said side walls;    -   a peripheral cover hook positioned on said open end of said        container body, said peripheral cover hook having substantially        no exposed edges;    -   a first sealable membrane interconnected to said first inwardly        extending ledge; and    -   an end closure interconnected to said peripheral cover hook,        wherein a first compartment is created below said first sealable        membrane and a second compartment is created between said        removable lid and said first sealable membrane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of an unopenedcontainer;

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the inventiondepicted in FIG. 1 with a lid removed from an upper portion of thecontainer;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention with a tapered neck, shown in anunopened position;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the invention shownin FIG. 2, with a lid removed from an upper portion of the container;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the inventionshown in FIG. 3 with a lid removed from an upper portion of thecontainer;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention and depicting three distinct storagecompartments;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the inventionshown in FIG. 4 with a lid removed from an upper portion of thecontainer;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, having three distinct storagecompartments and a double seamed end closure;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention shown with two distinct compartmentsand a double seamed end closure;

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention, anddepicting a one compartment container with an easy pour ledge and asealing membrane extending upwardly along the container chuck wall; and

FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 withthe selectively removable lid withdrawn from the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5A depict various embodiments ofthe present invention. More specifically, and referring now to FIG. 1, acontainer 2 is provided which is generally comprised of a containerclosed end 4 (not shown) a container open end 6, and a neck 8 positionedproximate to the container open end 6. Although the container 2 isgenerally comprised of a metallic material such as tin or aluminum, itis feasible that the container 2 could be comprised of plastics,styrofoam or other materials well known in the art. The neck 8 isintegrally interconnected to a first inwardly extending ledge 14, andwhich is adapted to support a sealable membrane 22 such as a tin foil,aluminum foil, plastic, or other material which in one embodiment issubstantially impermeable. The container open end 6 is further comprisedof a peripheral cover hook 10 which has a peripheral cover hook leadingedge 12. Preferably, the peripheral cover hook leading edge 12 is turnedinwardly to substantially eliminate any sharp leading edges which couldpotentially cut a user during opening or removal and closure of a lid18. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a removable endclosure 18 is provided which has a resilient lip 24 with a slightlyreduced diameter to resiliently engage the peripheral cover hook 10prior to opening and to assure that the end closure does notinadvertently become disengaged. As appreciated by one skilled in theart, and as shown in FIG. 1A, the removable lid 18 may be selectivelyremoved from the container 2 and replaced when necessary to preventspillage.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the container 2 depicted in FIG. 1 is shownwith the removable lid 18 detached for clarity. Furthermore, thesealable membrane 22 has been selectively removed from the firstinwardly extending ledge 14 to allow access to the lower compartment.Thus, the embodiment of FIG. 1 depicts a two compartment container, withthe first storage compartment being defined between the removable lid 18and the sealable membrane 22, while the second storage compartment isdefined between the sealable membrane 22 and the lower portion of thecan. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the stored materials maybe any combination of dry products and/or liquids depending on theapplication. Furthermore, the removable lid 18 may be replaced with adouble-seamed metal end closure which is selectively removed with a canopener or other opening device.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2A, an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention is provided herein, wherein a tapered neck 20 isprovided on the neck 8 portion of the can. In this embodiment, thetapered neck 20 reduces the flow rate of material poured from thecontainer 2, and thus acts as a funnel to substantially preventspillage. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the actual diameteror geometry of the funnel shaped neck can be any variety of dimensionsand shapes, depending on the application. For example, containersdesigned to store liquids may have a very small diameter opening, whilecontainers designed for powders or food items may have a largerdiameter. It is a further advantage in this design to provide acontainer upper end which has a diameter substantially the same as thelower end to facilitate stacking, and thus reduce the space requirementsduring storage and/or shipping.

As further depicted in FIGS. 2 and 2A, a first inwardly extending ledge14 is provided at the uppermost portion of the tapered neck 20, andwhich is used to support a sealable membrane 22 such as tin foil,aluminum foil, plastic, and other similar materials known in the art.Preferably, the sealable membrane 22 is interconnected to the uppersurface of the first inwardly extending ledge 14 by the use of anadhesive, heat welding, or other means well known in the art. Further,the sealable membrane 22 preferably has a pull tab or other similardevice which allows easy access and provides a user with a handle toremove the sealable membrane 22. Alternatively, it is conceivable thatthe sealable membrane may be punctured to obtain access to a specificstorage compartment.

FIG. 2A shows the embodiment of FIG. 2 with the end closure 18 removedfrom the peripheral cover hook 10, and which allows the contents of thecontainer 2 to be selectively removed. In one embodiment, the endclosure removable lid 18 is comprised of a resilient plastic,polyethylene, or other similar material known in the art which has aresilient lip 24 to engage the peripheral cover hook 10 and maintain theremovable lid 18 in a closed position as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively,the end closure removable lid 18 may be comprised of metallic materials,or may be perforated to allow the container 2 to be heated in amicrowave oven or other heat source, and which substantially preventssplattering.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention is provided herein, wherein an alternative geometry of theneck 8 portion of the container 2 is provided. More specifically, thefirst inwardly extending edge 14 is used to create a funnel shape toeffectively reduce the diameter of the container neck 8, while stillutilizing a ledge on the upper surface which is adapted to receive thesealable membrane 22. FIG. 3A depicts the embodiment shown in FIG. 3with the end closure 18 detached from the peripheral cover hook 10. Asshown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, it is thus another aspect of the presentinvention to provide the peripheral cover hook 10 with the leading edge12 curled inwardly to substantially eliminate any sharp edges. Thus, theperipheral cover hook leading edge 12 is rolled inwardly tosubstantially eliminate an exposed edge, while the peripheral cover hook10 further provides a curled edge for resilient engagement with aremovable end closure 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4A, another embodiment of the presentinvention is provided herein wherein a three compartment container isprovided to seal and independently store three different food orbeverage products in one container. More specifically, FIG. 4 depicts acontainer having a first inwardly extending edge 14, a second inwardlyextending edge 16, and a removable end closure 18 positioned on an uppermost portion of the container 2. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, theaddition of the second inwardly extending ledge 16 creates threedistinct compartments defined by a first space created between theremovable lid 18 and second inwardly extending ledge 16, a second spacedefined by the second inwardly extending edge 16 and the first inwardlyextending ledge 14, and a third space defined by the first inwardlyextending ledge 14 and the lowermost portion of the container. FIG. 4Adepicts the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 with the removable end closure 18in an open position to allow access to the container contents, while thesealable membrane 22 has been removed from both the first inwardlyextending ledge 14 and the second inwardly extending ledge 16. As shownin FIGS. 4 and 4A, the inwardly extending ledges are generally crated byfolds in the container sidewalls.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 5A, two alternative embodiments of thepresent invention are provided herein, wherein the removable lid 18 hasbeen replaced with a double seamed lid 28 which is sealed in asubstantially airtight manner to the neck 8 portion of the container 2.As appreciated by one skilled in the art, each embodiment shown in thedrawings may utilize a double seamed or welded type of end closure 18,or a removable type of plastic lid or other similar device. Morespecifically, and referring now to FIG. 5, a container 2 is providedwhich has three distinct compartments for storage purposes. Morespecifically, the first compartment is defined by the double seamed endclosure 28 and the second inwardly extending ledge 16. The secondcompartment is defined by the second inwardly extending ledge 16 and thefirst inwardly extending ledge 14. The third compartment is defined bythe first inwardly extending ledge 14 and the lower portion of thecontainer. Alternatively, and as appreciated by one skilled in the art,four or more (or less) compartments may be provided depending on theapplication.

Thus, FIG. 5 can be used to store three distinct and separable materialswhich may be used in combination when the container is opened. Forexample, a Chinese noodle dish may be provided which includes a meatproduct in the lower portion of the container, a dried noodle product inthe second portion of the container, and a seasoned sauce in the thirddistinct storage compartment of the container 2. Further, the doubleseamed lid 28 may be opened with a can opener or other means well knownin the art and which allows stacking of the container 2 in a durablecontainer lid which is not as susceptible to damage as a plastic endclosure 18 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Furthermore, and as appreciated by oneskilled in the art, when the double seamed lid 28 is removed from thecontainer neck 8, a selectively removable lid (not shown) may be placedon the double seam 26 for storage purposes, such as what is typicallyused with a coffee can after the welded or double seamed end is removedwith a can opener.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention is provided herein, wherein a double seam 26 is used tointerconnect a metallic end closure 28 to the neck 8 of the container 2.However, in this particular embodiment there are two compartments asopposed to the three compartments shown in FIG. 5. More specifically, afirst inwardly extending ledge 14 is provided which also creates atapered neck 20 to restrict the diameter of the container, and whichfurther supports a sealable membrane 22. To use the container of FIG.5A, the double seamed lid 28 is removed with a can opener or othersimilar device, and the contents stored in the compartment defined bythe double seam lid 28 and the sealable membrane 22 are removed. At thispoint, the sealable membrane 22 may be selectively removed from thefirst inwardly extending ledge 14, to access the food or beverageproduct stored in the compartment defined below the first inwardlyextending edge 14 and the container bottom. Typically, the sealablemembrane 22 is discarded, although it is feasible to use a resealabletype of sealable membrane 22 which can be repositioned on the firstinwardly extending ledge 14, or which is merely punctured to provideaccess.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention is provided herein. More specifically, FIG. 6 depicts a onecompartment container with an easy pour, tapered neck 20. The taperedneck is defined by a rounded neck transition area 32 which terminates atthe first inwardly extending ledge 14. The first inwardly extendingledge is designed to provide a lip with sufficient surface area tosupport a sealable membrane 22. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG.6, the sealable membrane 22 may extend upwardly along a chuck wall 30,and to improve the sealing engagement between the first inwardlyextending ledge 14 and the sealable membrane 22.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a removable end closure 18 may beprovided, and which is preferably a resilient, removable lid comprisedof plastic or other similar material and which can be selectivelyattached or removed with a user's fingers, as shown in FIG. 6A. Thus, inuse the removable end closure 18 can be used to protect the contents ofthe container 2 after the sealable membrane 22 is removed from the firstinwardly extending ledge 14.

Furthermore, and as appreciated by one skilled in the art, the container2 shown in FIG. 6 may be sold and used without a removable end closure18, and is designed to facilitate stacking, wherein an external diameterof the container closed end 4 is adapted to fit within an internaldiameter of the peripheral cover hook 10, and to rest on the firstinwardly extending ledge 14.

The following components and numbers associated with the presentinvention are provided herein for clarity purposes. # Component 2Container 4 Container closed end 6 Container open end 8 Neck 10Peripheral cover hook 12 Peripheral cover hook leading edge 14 Firstinwardly extending ledge 16 Second inwardly extending ledge 18 Removableend closure 20 Tapered neck 22 Sealable membrane 24 Removable lidresilient lip 26 Double seam 28 Double seamed end closure 30 Chuck wall32 Rounded neck transition area

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, thedescription is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosedherein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with theabove teachings and the skill or knowledge of the relevant art arewithin the scope of the present invention. The embodiments describedhereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known forpracticing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the invention in such, or other, embodiments or variousmodifications required by the particular applications or uses of thepresent invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construedto include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the priorart.

1. A multi-compartment metallic container, comprising: a substantiallycylindrical container body having a lower end, an open upper end andside walls extending therebetween; a first inwardly extending ledgeintegrally interconnected to said container body and having an uppersurface and a lower surface; and a peripheral, cover hook integrallyinterconnected to said open upper end of said container body and whichis adapted for interconnection to an end closure; and a sealablemembrane removably interconnected to said upper surface of said firstinwardly extending ledge and extending across said open upper end todefine first compartment below said sealable membrane and a secondcompartment above said sealable membrane.
 2. The storage container ofclaim 1, further comprising a second inwardly extending ledge integrallyinterconnected to said upper end of said container body, said secondinwardly extending ledge having an upper surface and a lower surface. 3.The storage container of claim 2, further comprising a sealable membraneremovably interconnected to said upper surface of said second inwardlyextending ledge, and extending across said open upper end of saidcontainer.
 4. The storage container of claim 3, wherein a storage spaceis defined between said first inwardly extending ledge and said secondinwardly extending ledge.
 5. The storage container of claim 1, furthercomprising a selectively removable lid which extends over saidperipheral cover hook, wherein said selectively removable lid can berepeatedly opened and closed.
 6. The storage container of claim 1,wherein said peripheral cover hook has a substantially circular crosssectional geometric profile with substantially no exposed edges.
 7. Thestorage container of claim 1, wherein said upper end of said containerbody further comprises a tapered neck, wherein a funnel effect iscreated which restricts the rate of flow of materials poured from saidcontainer body.
 8. The storage container of claim 1, wherein saidperipheral curled end section is curled outwardly with respect to aninterior of said storage container, and a distal edge of said containermaterial is bent inwardly toward an interior of said storage container.9. The storage container of claim 1, wherein said sealable membrane iscomprised of a substantially impermeable foil with an adhesive materialpositioned substantially along a peripheral edge.
 10. The storagecontainer of claim 1, further comprising an end closure which issealingly interconnected to said peripheral cover hook, wherein saidsealable membrane is substantially sealed from an exterior environmentuntil said end closure is removed.
 11. The storage container of claim 1,wherein said container body is comprised of at least one of an aluminum,a steel, and a tin material and combinations therein.
 12. The storagecontainer of claim 1, wherein said first inwardly extending ledge iscreated from a fold in said side walls of said container body.
 13. Atwo-piece container having at least two distinct storage compartments,comprising: a container body having a closed end, an open end, and sidewalls extending therebetween; a first inwardly extending ledge createdby a fold in an upper portion of said side walls; a peripheral coverhook positioned on said open end of said container body, said peripheralcover hook having substantially no exposed edges; a first sealablemembrane interconnected to said first inwardly extending ledge; and anend closure interconnected to said peripheral cover hook, wherein afirst compartment is created below said first sealable membrane and asecond compartment is created between said removable lid and said firstsealable membrane.
 14. The two-piece container of claim 13, wherein saidend closure is double seamed to said peripheral cover hook.
 15. Thetwo-piece container of claim 13, wherein said end closure is selectivelyremovable for repeated use.
 16. The two-piece container of claim 13,further comprises a second inwardly extending ledge adapted to retain asecond sealable membrane, said second inwardly extending ledge createdby a fold in an upper portion of said side walls and positioned abovesaid first inwardly extending edge, wherein at least three distinctstorage compartments are formed between said lid and said closed end ofsaid two-piece container.
 17. The two-piece container of claim 16,further comprising a second sealable and removable membraneinterconnected to said second inwardly extending ledge.
 18. Thetwo-piece container of claim 13, wherein said one piece metal containerfurther comprises a neck positioned proximate to said open end which hasa reduced diameter from said container body.
 19. The two-piece containerof claim 13, wherein at least said container body is comprised of atleast one of an aluminum, a tin, and a steel material and combinationstherein.
 20. The two-piece container of claim 13, wherein said firstsealable membrane has a pull tab to facilitate removal.
 21. Thetwo-piece container of claim 13, wherein said first sealable membrane iscomprised of at least one of a metal, a plastic, and a paper materialand combinations therein.
 22. A pourable, one piece container having areduced diameter ledge adapted for supporting a sealable membrane,comprising: a container body having a closed lower end, an open upperend and side walls extending therebetween; a first inwardly extendingledge created by an inwardly oriented bend in said container side wallsproximate to said open upper end, and comprising a substantiallyhorizontally oriented upper surface, said first inwardly extending ledgehaving a transition area with an internal diameter which is generallyless than an internal diameter of said container body positioned belowsaid first inwardly extending ledge; and a peripheral cover hookintegrally interconnected to said upper end of said container body andformed by curling an upper edge of said container, wherein there aresubstantially no exposed edges.
 23. The container of claim 22, furthercomprising a removable end closure which is adapted for interconnectionto said peripheral cover hook.
 24. The container of claim 22, furthercomprising a first sealable membrane removably interconnected to saidsubstantially horizontally oriented upper surface of said first inwardlyextending ledge.
 25. The container of claim 24, wherein said firstsealable membrane extends upwardly along a chuck wall positioned betweensaid peripheral cover hook and said first inwardly extending ledge. 26.The container of claim 22, wherein an external diameter of said closedlower end of said container is less than an internal diameter of saidperipheral cover hook, wherein said container may be stacked on a secondcontainer.
 27. The container of claim 22, wherein said transition areahas a rounded geometric profile.
 28. The container of claim 22, whereinsaid container is comprised of at least one of an aluminum, a tin, and asteel material, and combinations therein.
 29. The container of claim 24,wherein said first sealable membrane is comprised of at least one of ametallic, a paper, and a plastic material and combinations therein. 30.The container of claim 22, further comprising a second inwardlyextending ledge which is adapted to receive a second sealable membrane.31. The end closure of claim 23, wherein said end closure is comprisedof a plastic material.